Search Our Plant Directory

Brassica oleracea var. italica

Sprouting broccoli produces central heads which may be green or purple. After these are cut, side shoots with smaller clusters develop. An adaptable cool-season plant, broccoli is easier to grow than cauliflower. A popular winter vegetable.

Common Pests and Diseases

Caterpillars, and aphids on stressed plants that suffer from a lack of moisture and nutrients.Downy mildew and black rot on seedlings in warm, moist weather.

Flowers

Foliage

Harvest

The central head is ready 9-10 weeks after transplanting.Cut while the head is still compact, before the buds open, leaving 120-150mm of the main stem.The plants will then send out side shoots with smaller heads. Cut these at the same stage, leaving 70-100mm of stem.

Interesting Info

Recommended varieties: â€˜Emperorâ€™, a warm season variety with high yields; â€˜Green Valiantâ€™ is very adaptable, with reliable good quality.

Maintenance

Feed the plants with nitrogen fertilizer once a month.

Origin

Western Europe

Planting Instructions

Sow in seedbeds or seed trays during late summer.Transplant seedlings when they reach a height of 100â€“150mm, planting them 400mm apart in the row.

Soil Conditions

Broccoli grows best in well-drained, medium to heavy clay soils that have been well prepared with large quantities of general fertilizer, manure and compost.

Yield

Twelve plants are enough for a family of four.Sow every six weeks in season to prolong the harvest.

Articles

Newsletter

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Follow Us

In the interest of the environment, this website was built with 100% recycled pixels.
Though we endeavour to ensure correctness, Plant Info, its owners and employees, cannot accept responsibility for any errors in information or any losses suffered due to the use of information on this site. Click here for terms and conditions.